For those who go from brushing off their sudden onset of exhaustion to stress, poor diet, or other factors to worrying about the new inability to complete the tasks of our daily routine, it’s time to review the warning signs for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a complicated disorder characterized by extreme exhaustion from physical or mental exertion that does not improve with rest.
While the disease may affect as many as 2.5 million Americans, little is known about the cause of the illness, and there is not yet a defined treatment protocol, because symptoms vary so greatly from patient to patient.
If you suspect that your exhaustion is more than just a sleep deficit, or if you exhibit a combination of at least four of the following signs, you should make an appointment with your doctor or a specialist who can help you rule out other causes and determine if you might be suffering from CFS.
Below are some of the warning signs of chronic fatigue syndrome:
Unexplained, Persistent or Relapsing Fatigue Of New Or Definite Onset
Feeling tired while putting in extra hours at work isn't uncommon, but if you have a sudden sense of exhaustion that’s either continuous or relapsing on a regular basis, over a period of six months or longer, it may be cause for concern. CFS fatigue is not alleviated by rest, and results in a significant reduction in previous productivity levels in your work, educational, social and family life. The exhaustion may have a definite onset, such as coinciding with an illness or stressful life event.